“Saint Heaven” doesn’t quite make old new again

1950s Kentucky, and the controversial budding love of an interracial couple. Throw in some gospel, country, a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll, and there you have the premise of new musical Saint Heaven, currently playing at Village Theatre in Issaquah.

In Saint Heaven, Kentucky, a young doctor returns home to his small town roots from his big-city life to attend the funeral of his father and handle his affairs. Faced with his past and the friends he left behind, Thom Rivers (Allan Snyder) is met with a town full of people wishing him to remain and take over his father’s medical practice so they will not be bereft of medical care. When local church star, Eshie Willington (Tanesha Ross), crosses his path, he beocmes smitten.

Eshie’s stardom comes from her perceived gift, speaking in tongues and spasmodic movements on the church floor apparently makes you a conduit of the Lord. Or an epileptic, as Thom discovers when she comes to his office for advice on her episodes. She pleads with him to help her but not make her lose the gift, which keeps a roof over her head given by overbearing Church Pastor, Joe Bertram (Kingsley Leggs), her caretaker and “gift” manager. A few more plot twists evolve with Thom’s ex-girlfriend and childhood friend, who chide him for leaving town without saying goodbye.

Overall, Saint Heaven felt past its expiration date for a new musical. With tried and true universal themes and familiar down home music, it was a play with songs hearkening back to the days of yore on the Great White Way. Tom and Eshie’s love also felt underdeveloped. Facing discrimination and the challenges an interracial relationship would bring in the 1950s would require a Romeo and Juliet type passion in my eyes. It just wasn’t believable between these two. The character of Joe came across as overly despotic as well. He was mean, angry and upset for no apparent reason. Actually, that might have been characteristic of a particular black man in the ’50s. I’m sure he had a lot to be upset about, but for a supposedly god-fearing man, Joe could have toned down the hostility a notch.

Tanesha Ross was definitely a standout in this cast, as was the gospel music she sang. A vocal powerhouse coupled with striking beauty, it could have been called the Eshie Willington hour. Firecracker Mille Walden (Cynthia Jones) and ex-gf Maggie Hartford (Billie Wildrick) were also vocally noteworthy. However, the non-gospel songs were a bit dull and Thom dropping the Southern accent would have made for more believability of him wanting to rid his backward upbringing. An elaborate set with numerous set changes and beautiful costuming outfitted the production.

Seasoned (read older) musical goers and gospel fans would appreciate Saint Heaven. Although it didn’t make old new again, the songs alone made for an entertaining afternoon of theatre.

Saint Heaven runs through October 26th at Village Theatre, then heads to Everett Performing Arts Center – October 31st through November 23rd.